Hi there! I’m so happy  you’re here.

Beginning the process of healing takes an incredible amount of courage. If you’ve found your way here, it likely means you’ve been carrying something heavy. Maybe it’s grief or loss, anxious thoughts that won’t quiet, self-doubt, or simply the exhaustion of trying to hold everything together. I would be honored to walk alongside you through the messiness of life, the hard seasons, the questions, and the pain. I also want to celebrate the growth, relief, and victories that matter most to you.

I come to this work not only as a therapist, but as someone who has personally known what it feels like to feel lost and in deep need of support. I understand the quiet courage it takes to ask for help and the relief that can come from not having to navigate the messiness of life alone. I also know firsthand that even in the midst of chaos, pain, and uncertainty, it is possible to rediscover a sense of peace, hope, and purpose. It would be a true privilege to help guide you towards that.

Many people carry quiet thoughts like, “I’m not good enough,” “I should be better by now,” or “What’s the point?” far longer than they realize. These thoughts can shape how we see ourselves, our relationships, and our future. A significant part of our work together will be gently reducing the hold these thoughts have over you, while also exploring the patterns and behaviors that keep you feeling stuck or stand in the way of living as your fullest, most thriving self. Together, we will also build practical coping tools you can turn to when life feels overwhelming or too much to handle in the moment.

My clinical background includes extensive hands-on experience in a high-acuity hospital setting, where I worked with individuals facing eating disorders, severe anxiety and depression, trauma, and crisis. This means I am well equipped to support you through intense emotions, complex mental health challenges, and moments of crisis with steadiness, compassion, and the utmost amount of care.

My approach is collaborative and centered on what matters most to you. I integrate evidence-based, action-oriented therapies while always honoring your goals, values, and pace. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy(CBT) helps us understand the connection between thoughts, emotions, and behaviors and how meaningful change can begin with small, intentional shifts. Dialectical Behavior Therapy(DBT) offers skills for emotion regulation, distress tolerance, and building healthier relationships. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy(ACT) focuses on values-based living, helping you clarify what truly matters to you, and how to live a life that feels aligned with this, even in the presence of pain.

I believe that faith and spirituality can be both deeply meaningful and deeply complicated. I have spent much of my life in faith-based spaces, so I am also keenly aware that hurt, disappointment, and trauma within these spaces can run quite deep. If faith is central to your life and supports your healing, I am honored to integrate it into our work together. If faith has been a source of pain or confusion, there is space here to ask the hard questions and to give voice to the doubts and struggles you’ve carried silently. I believe this is crucial to the healing process. I provide a nonjudgmental space where the hard questions are welcomed and your story and journey are met with care and intentionality. 

I believe that our humanity, with all its brokenness, is deeply worthy of compassion. You don’t have to have it all figured out to start healing or growing, and you don’t have to face your struggles alone. You are welcome here, just as you are.

Areas of Focus

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Eating disorders

• Borderline Personality Disorder

• Self-esteem and identity

• Psychoeducation and skills-based support using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Spiritual integration (upon request)

Experience With

• Providing care for individuals, couples, and families

• Supporting older adults

• Eating disorder treatment in a hospital setting

• High-acuity mental health care and crisis intervention

• Applying CBT, DBT, and ACT approaches in clinical practice

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Point Loma Nazarene University

Master of Arts in Clinical Counseling
Point Loma Nazarene University

samantha sees clients at both the University Heights and La Mesa locations.